Cool, creamy, and packed with garden-fresh flavor, these Dill & Cheese Cucumber Pinwheels make the perfect bite-sized snack or appetizer. With crisp cucumbers, herby ranch cream cheese, and a hint of fresh dill, each rolled-up bite is irresistibly light and flavorful. Great for summer parties, picnics, or a quick savory treat.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 oz dry ranch seasoning packet
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 2 tsp fresh chopped dill
- 1 medium cucumber, sliced thin
Instructions:
- Chop the dill and thinly slice the cucumbers.
- In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with the ranch seasoning until smooth and well combined.
- Spread ¼ of the cream cheese mixture evenly onto each tortilla.
- Sprinkle ½ tablespoon of fresh dill over the cream cheese.
- Arrange thin cucumber slices in a single layer over the cream cheese and dill.
- Roll the tortilla tightly from one end to the other to create a log.
- Wrap each tortilla log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.
- When ready to serve, remove plastic wrap, trim 2 inches from each end, and slice the remaining roll into 6 equal pinwheels.
- Arrange flat on a platter and serve chilled. Enjoy!
Variation
- Add Protein: For a heartier version, add thin slices of turkey, ham, or smoked salmon before rolling. The savory meat pairs beautifully with the creamy ranch spread and gives the pinwheels a bit more staying power perfect for lunchbox meals or heavier appetizers.
- Use Flavored Tortillas: Try spinach, sun-dried tomato, or whole wheat tortillas for added color and a subtle flavor twist. These add visual variety to your platter and can better complement specific fillings.
- Make It Vegan: Substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free version and use a vegan ranch seasoning mix. Vegan versions still deliver a creamy texture and bright flavor, making this a great option for plant-based eaters.
Cooking Notes
- Soften Cream Cheese Properly: Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing it should be soft enough to stir easily with a spoon. Cold cream cheese will be harder to combine with the seasoning and won’t spread smoothly on the tortillas.
- Use English or Seedless Cucumbers: These have thinner skins and fewer seeds, which means less moisture and a better texture. If you use standard cucumbers, consider peeling and deseeding to prevent soggy pinwheels.
- Chill Before Slicing: Don’t skip the chilling step. Refrigerating the rolled tortillas helps the filling firm up and the shape hold, giving you clean, even slices that don’t fall apart.
Serving Suggestions
- As a Party Appetizer: Arrange on a large platter with other finger foods like veggie sticks, cheese cubes, and olives for a colorful appetizer spread that guests can graze on.
- For Brunch or Tea Parties: These pinwheels make a refreshing and elegant addition to a brunch or tea party table serve with light salads, fruit, or iced tea for a balanced presentation.
- Pack in Lunchboxes: These pinwheels are a fun, mess-free lunch option for both kids and adults. Just wrap a few pieces in wax paper or place in a reusable container for a fresh, satisfying midday meal.
Tips
- Roll Tightly: Roll each tortilla as snugly as possible without squeezing out the filling. A tight roll ensures neat, round pinwheels that hold their shape after slicing.
- Use a Serrated Knife for Slicing: A serrated knife helps slice through the tortilla and cucumbers cleanly without crushing or tearing the layers. Wipe the blade between cuts for the cleanest presentation.
- Customize the Herbs: If you’re not a fan of dill, swap it with fresh chives, parsley, or basil. Each herb brings its own unique twist, so you can tailor the flavor to suit different occasions or tastes.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (includes chilling time)
Nutritional Information (Per Pinwheel)
- Calories: 70
- Protein: 1.5g
- Sodium: 190mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make these pinwheels the night before?
It’s best to make them the same day for peak freshness, especially since cucumbers release moisture over time. However, if you’re short on prep time, you can assemble and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap up to 6 hours ahead. - How do I keep the tortillas from getting soggy?
Make sure to use dry, thinly sliced cucumbers, and avoid overfilling. Patting the cucumber slices with a paper towel before assembling helps reduce excess moisture. - Can I use a different vegetable instead of cucumber?
Absolutely! Try thinly sliced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or baby spinach for a different texture and taste. Just keep the fillings flat to make rolling easier. - What kind of ranch seasoning should I use?
You can use any dry ranch seasoning packet store-bought brands like Hidden Valley work great. If you prefer homemade, combine powdered buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, and dill.
Conclusion
These Fresh Dill & Cheese Cucumber Pinwheels are the ultimate make-ahead snack or light appetizer cool, creamy, and loaded with fresh flavor. They’re a crowd-pleaser at parties, simple enough for weekday lunches, and endlessly customizable to fit your vibe. Whether you’re hosting a summer brunch or packing a lunchbox, this recipe adds a delicious twist to your rotation. Give them a try you’ll be rolling them up again and again!
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Fresh Dill & Cheese Cucumber Pinwheels
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 24 pinwheels 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cool, creamy, and packed with garden-fresh flavor, these Dill & Cheese Cucumber Pinwheels make the perfect bite-sized snack or appetizer. With crisp cucumbers, herby ranch cream cheese, and a hint of fresh dill, each rolled-up bite is irresistibly light and flavorful. Great for summer parties, picnics, or a quick savory treat.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 oz dry ranch seasoning packet
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 2 tsp fresh chopped dill
- 1 medium cucumber, sliced thin
Instructions
- Chop the dill and thinly slice the cucumbers.
- In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with the ranch seasoning until smooth and well combined.
- Spread ¼ of the cream cheese mixture evenly onto each tortilla.
- Sprinkle ½ tablespoon of fresh dill over the cream cheese.
- Arrange thin cucumber slices in a single layer over the cream cheese and dill.
- Roll the tortilla tightly from one end to the other to create a log.
- Wrap each tortilla log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.
- When ready to serve, remove plastic wrap, trim 2 inches from each end, and slice the remaining roll into 6 equal pinwheels.
- Arrange flat on a platter and serve chilled. Enjoy!
Notes
These tortilla sandwich rolls are best enjoyed fresh. If prepping ahead, keep them tightly wrapped and store in the fridge for up to 6 hours. After that, the tortillas can begin to soften as they absorb moisture from the filling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: No-cook, Assemble
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pinwheel
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 5.5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4.5g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: cucumber pinwheels, dill pinwheels, tortilla roll-ups, ranch cream cheese, party appetizers